- present participle of nag.
nagging
Americanadjective
-
continually faultfinding, complaining, or petulant.
a nagging parent.
-
persistently recurring; unrelenting.
a nagging backache.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of nagging
Explanation
Something that's nagging really bothers you — whether it's your nagging older sister, reminding you to take out the trash, or a nagging headache that lingers all day. A nagging boss might continually complain about your work — you could also describe her as "overcritical" or "faultfinding." When a physical pain or discomfort is nagging, it's just as disagreeable, tormenting or irritating you in an ongoing way, like a nagging pain in your lower back. The source of nagging is nag, which originally meant "gnaw or bite."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the investments have raised a nagging question among some doubters on Wall Street: is Nvidia helping to inflate an AI bubble?
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
Still, he tried to ignore the nagging feelings.
From Slate ● Oct. 28, 2026
Rushing took on a larger role this season when primary catcher Will Smith was sidelined for three months by a nagging neck injury.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026
To be sure, some doubts are still nagging at investors after last week brought into focus some of the risks to the AI boom’s shakier players.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
Despite his bland supper, despite the nagging message broadcast in his head, and despite the uncertainty of his plan, he felt a stirring in his heart, a good feeling that might pass for hope.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
